Basketball training aid

ABSTRACT

A basketball training device for improving the effectiveness of a defensive baskeball player while increasing the challenge to an offensive basketball player. The training device is comprised of a grip handle and a padded cylindrical pole; attached to the top of the pole is a polyurethane foam hand. The training device is used as an extension of the defensive player&#39;s own hand. The device is to be held at the bottom where grip handle is located. The defensive player holding the device can then distract the offensive player in a number of ways. Examples include; blocking the offensive player&#39;s vision of the basket, attempting to block the offensive player&#39;s shot, and attempting to steal the ball from the offensive player while ball handling. This device doesn&#39;t require a defensive player to expend a large amount of energy and makes up for any lack of size or quickness. This device makes it possible for a person of limited mobility to help an offensive player train and improve perimeter shooting, low post moves, and ball handling.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

The present invention relates to the field of athletic training devices,and more particularly to a device for greatly increasing the defensivechallenge in the sport of basketball.

2. Description of the Related Art

In the prior art, means of basketball training aids try to simulatedefensive opponents so the user can practice and sharpen offensiveskills, yet it does not create an intense game like situation, which iscritical to the process of of sharpening an offensive players skills.They are uniformly deficient with respect to their failure to provide asimple, efficient, and practical device for effective practice toimprove an offensive players skills and abilities in regards toperimeter shooting, ball handling, and post up moves.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,485,993 (1996) issued to Lipsett describes a moveablebasketball training device that includes elongated arms that simulatethe outstretched arms of a basketball defender. This device presents theuser with a simulated defensive player's outstretched arms but it doesnot create an intense game like situation.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,538,808 (1985) issued to Holland discloses a devicewhere the user stands inside a cage of tubular framework and shootswhile attempting to dodge pairs of simulated arms. Although this deviceprovides the user with somewhat of a defensive partner the user is notchallenged when making a jumpshot.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a device that will greatly improve anaverage defender's ability to provide an intense challenge to anoffensive player that is attempting to improve his/her skills.

Several objects and advantages of the persent invention are:

-   -   (a) to provide a basketball training device which is ideal for        tapping a shooter's arm or disrupting a shooters vision of the        basket, causing an intense distraction without inflicting pain        or injury.    -   (b) to provide a basketball training device that allows a        defender to pressure an offensive player's ball handling with        ease, despite a possible lack in athletic ability.    -   (c) to provide a basketball training device that gives you an        awareness of how far a great shot blocker will be able to extend        to block your shot    -   (d) to provide a basketball training device that will challenge        an inside post player developing low post moves, despite the        height of the person using the device.    -   (e) to provide a basketball training device that is light        weight, durable, and easily transported from one facility to        another.    -   (f) to provide a basketball training device that will help        injured players keep their skills up without the risk of serious        physical contact that could cause reinjury.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. (1.) is a front elevational view of the present invention, the backof the present invention being a mirror image.

-   -   (a) is a front elevational view of said inventions oversized        foam hand, the back of the present invention being a mirror        image.    -   (b) is a front elevational view of said inventions cylindrical        pole, the back of the present invention being a mirror image.    -   (c) is a front elevational view of said inventions foam grip        handle, the back of the present invention being a mirror image.

FIG. 2) is a bottom elevational view of said inventions foam griphandle.

FIG. 3) is a right side elevational view of said inventions oversizedfoam hand, the left ide of the present invention being a mirror image.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

This device provides a simple, effective way to increase the defensivepressure applied to a perimeter shooter, ball handler, or post player.The device is to be held at the bottom of foam handle (FIG. 1 c) andused as an extension of one's own hand to distract the offensive playerin a number of ways

-   -   (a) Blocking the offensive player's vision of the basket    -   (b) Attempting to the block the offensive player's shot at the        peak of the shooter's release    -   (c) Tapping the offensive player's elbow or wrist as they        release the ball    -   (d) Attempting to strip the offensive player as they bring the        ball into shooting position    -   (e) Attempting to steal the ball during the act of ball handling

Intensity of the practice session can vary depending on what theoffensive players particular objectives and goals are. If the offensiveplayer just wants a mild distraction the person holding the device candisrupt the shooters vision of the basket by placing the foam hand (FIG.1 a) in the face of the shooter. If the offensive player wants a greaterchallenge the person holding the device can attempt to the block theoffensive players shot, strip the offensive player while ball handling,or tap the shooters arm. This device will greatly improve the extensionof the defensive player (42 in. in length) and will make up for any lackof size or quickness a defensive player may give give up to theoffensive player.

This device consists of a wooden cylinder or material of similarstrength or texture, (36 in. length) (¾ in diameter) 31.5 in. isconcealed within half inch polyurethane foam or other similar material,of any color, which is both light weight and durable. (FIG. 1 b) At thebottom end of the device is a 5 in. length by one-quarter inch thickpolyurethane foam or other similar material which is both light weightand durable grip handle, that snuggly fits over the wooden cylinder ormaterial of similar strength and texture. A hand pattern measuring 8×7in. is cut out or molded out of (1⅜ in.) polyurethane foam or othersimilar material which is both light weight and durable. An internalcylindrical shaft with the internal diameter of (¾ in.) is cut out ormolded from the central base or bottom of the hand. The pole is to beinserted therein inserted therin extending upward internallyapproximately 3.5 in. forming a snug bond between hand and pole. Anotheraspect of the construction of the embodiments would be for the hand tobe molded into the pole, creating a single embodiment.

1. A device used for basketball practicing, training, rehabilitation,developing offensive skills, perimeter shooting skills, ball handlingskills, and low post up skills, said device can be used by almost anyoneas an extension of ones own hand regardless of athletic or size tocreate an intense or moderate training session, said device is a lightweight, durable, easily transportable cylindrical wooden or material ofsimilar strength or texture pole concealed in a polyurethane foam orsimilar material of any color both light weight and durable, said devicehas a polyurethane foam or other similar material of any color bothlightweight and durable grip handle that snuggly fits at the bottom ofcylindrical pole, said device has a polyurethane foam or other similarmaterial of any color both light weight and durable oversized handmolded, internally inserted or similar forms of attachment to the beforementioned cylindrical pole creating said device.